Awards Recipients – 2011
Click image to view handbookThe Minister of Economy, Trade & Industry, Senator Kim Wilson, addressed the recipients of the Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC) Education Awards and their parents at a the Award’s Luncheon held at the Harbourfront Restaurant on July 20, 2011.
Sen Wilson said Bermuda had not been producing enough qualified graduates for many years now while the number of work permit holders in technical and professional roles remained high. She added that while guest workers were needed to support the economy, there were a range of opportunities available to Bermudians in the public and private sector, such as engineers, accountants, marine specialists, insurance specialists and actuaries, however an insufficient amount were gaining the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill those positions.
"Students, our economic future is dependent on your future contributions," she said. "Your pursuit of higher education is crucial to maintain Bermuda's economic strength in an increasingly competitive world."
Among the recipients were Alexander Abbott, Allantae Basden, Rashida Bean, Shonte Campbell, Ciera Fox, Jennifer Medeiros, Jotessa Musson, Brian Perry, Carlsen Philip II, Dominique Richardson, Tiffany Samuels, Samantha Saunders, Terrin Smith, Katrina Simons, Shaunte Simons, Seth Wilson and Lisa Trott.
Ms Campbell was presented with the 2011 Michelle Outerbridge Award, which is valued at $5,000 and is given to the scholarship winner who displays qualities of top academic achievement and an outgoing personality.
The event was also attended by Premier and Finance Minister Paula Cox, Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith and executive vice-president of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, Diane Gordon. The aim of the scholarship programme, which is in its 34th year, is to provide financial assistance to Bermudian students pursuing higher education degrees, primarily related to international business, in the long-term developing highly-trained individuals who will return to the Island to help strengthen the industry and the economy.
To date more than $4 million has been donated to the programme by international business companies based in Bermuda, with approximately 50 companies contributing on an annual basis.
This year, ABIC received 56 completed applications, conducted 35 interviews and presented 16 awards, with a total of $541,200 being raised for their funding.
The 2011 Awards Recipients are:
Alexander Abbott
Alexander is currently entering his second year at St. John’s University where he is pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Insurance and Risk Management. He has volunteered at the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies to help encourage students to pursue a career in the field of insurance. In addition he has volunteered at the De Boys Day out Club where he assisted in making meals for the homeless and part of his study abroad program involved helping troubled youth in Salamanca, Spain. Alexander is described as a “respectful personable young man, who shows definite signs of leadership among his peers.” His law professor described him as an “excellent student who is highly intelligent, inquisitive, and well-motivated.” He notes that interning at a large reinsurance company afforded him the opportunity to learn more about how this type of company operates, exposing him to his chosen field and further fueling his ambition to become a successful executive and give back to the community.
Allantae Basden
Allantae will be entering her second year at South Carolina State University where she is pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Managerial Economics. While enrolled in university, Allantae has volunteered much of her time as a Teacher’s Assistant at a preparatory school located on campus. She has participated in numerous activities as a member of Youth News, the Summer People to People Leadership Program and the United Dance Productions Allantae is described by one of her teachers as “a young woman of unswerving fortitude who will not be distracted from the task at hand,” and a “helpful individual with a pleasant demeanor who gets along with her peers.” Over the years she has held various positions of responsibility as a grocery store cashier and a Customer Service Representative at Cellular One. Allantae’s career plan involves becoming a prominent figure in Bermuda’s financial sector, working as a Finance Director for a large international company.
& The Harry Wilken Memorial Scholarship
Rashida Bean
Rashida has been attending Alabama A&M University since 2008 where she is currently studying towards her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Rashida has also given back to the community through her involvement in the Alabama Head Start Association which is the unified voice representing early education and advocacy for low income children and families in Alabama. Rashida is described as having a “healthy determination to achieve success in all her endeavors.” During her time at university Rashida has been on both the Honor Roll and the Dean’s List and has proven herself to be someone who is not afraid of responsibility or commitment. Described as “someone who always demonstrates politeness, tactfulness, maturity and integrity,” Rashida plans to return to Bermuda to work for a successful company that “supports international business.” She hopes to use the knowledge gained through university to serve as a “leading ear and voice to those who lack the necessary support and guidance to help them achieve success,” and “to lend her support to organizations that help fulfill the financial needs of students pursuing a college education.”
Shonte Campbell
Shonte recently completed her studies at the Hotchkiss School with a high academic average. During her studies at Hotchkiss she offered to run several Sunday clinics for the boys’ soccer team and has given back to her community by mowing lawns, helping out at nursing homes, and volunteering to help at various sporting events. Shonte has also been working with Youth and Sport as a Sports Specialist, and as a Counselor. She has also participated at some of the highest levels of soccer. Shonte is described by those who know her best as “an extremely focused, driven, self-motivated, compassionate, caring young lady.” In the fall she will be entering Wofford College to pursue a degree in Accounting. She feels she has an important role to play in the success of International Business with her chosen career path and there is little doubt that she will succeed in pursuing her goals in life, when you hear her state “ever since I was a little girl I have always strived for excellence and by doing so I believe I have created a bright future for myself.”
Ciera Fox
Ciera has been attending North Carolina Central University where she is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and Public Relations. Entering into her third year, Ciera has managed to maintain a high academic average and earn a certificate of achievement. She has been actively involved in Delta Sigma Theta and became an NCCU Student Ambassador. Ciera is described as being a “very intelligent young lady of monumental self-confidence, who is both trustworthy and pleasant, with excellent oral and communication skills and a good sense of humor.” Over the years, Ciera has been volunteering at Camp Hope as a games leader and a junior counselor. She has also worked in the Peer Mentor Program, Pride, Warwick Academy Community Service Program, and Stepping Stones Nursery and Preschool. Ciera was awarded an Outbound International Rotary Student Award in 2008. After graduating she intends to pursue her Masters Degree in Business Administration and seek internships overseas to gain experience on an international level before returning to the island to seek full time employment in her chosen field.
Jennifer Medeiros
Jennifer is a mature student who has been attending St. Johns University since 2009, where she is currently studying to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in Insurance and Risk Management. Jennifer is described as someone who has a “strong work ethic and who exhibits a proactive, collaborative energy in the classroom.” After achieving her degree, Jennifer plans to pursue a career as either an Underwriter or a Broker. Her impressive resume includes positions with American International as an Intercompany Assistant Accountant, The Phoenix Stores as an Account Administrator, and HSBC as a Settlement Administrator. This summer she was awarded placement as a BFIS Intern. Jennifer has also given back to the community by volunteering at a local Catholic Religious Center in Queens, New York as well as working with a 10 year old boy with ADD to prepare him for baptism. Jennifer is a “mature, caring personable, ambitious young woman who puts all of her heart into everything she does. She loves to spend time with her young daughter and wants to set an example for her that “there is no greater goal than achieving a solid education.”
Jotessa Musson
Jotessa recently graduated from Bermuda Institute with high academic honors, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, a Prefect, and served as Assistant Treasurer for the Student Council. During her time at Bermuda Institute, Jotessa was involved in the Duke of Edinburgh programme and badmington. She also helped to prepare elementary banquets and numerous graduations. Jotessa has also volunteered in her community through involvement in the Meals on Wheels program, the feeding program at Hamilton Seven-Day Adventist Church where she served as an usher and as a counselor for the Not Just Kids Friday Night meetings. Jotessa is described as a “hard working, consistent individual who is committed to excellence and is unwavering in the pursuit of her goals.” Jotessa has earned the respect of her school’s faculty and peers as a result of her outstanding conduct and involvement in and outside of school. This fall Jotessa will enter Oakwood University to pursue a degree in Accounting with a minor in Information Technology and Business Management.
Brian Perry
Brian has been attending the University of Ontario Institute of Technology where he has been studying towards his Bachelor Honors Degree in Information Technology since the fall of 2010. Brian completed his first semester with a near perfect GPA and having achieving one of the highest grades out of 68 students in his Introduction to Networks course. Since entering university, Brian has distinguished himself among other students. He is described as being “a courteous, respectful, and intelligent person both in his professional and personal life.” Brian was employed at Bermuda Microsystems Group Ltd., working as a Technical Engineer, Appleby as a Support Technician, and at his university as a part-time “student follow-up caller.” He is “disciplined, and professional at all times and prides himself in his work.” Brian also gives back to the community, serving as an ongoing blood donor and as a volunteer at the Women’s Resource Center. Brian states that he is “proof that success is possible for a mature student who has been out of school for over eight years and feels that his current studies in the Information Technology would enable him to become “invaluable asset to the international business sector.”
Carlsen Philip II
Carlsen recently graduated from Bermuda College with a near perfect GPA, where he was named to the Presidents List and finished at the top of his economics class which comprised over 50 students. Carlsen will be entering Howard University in the fall where he intends to pursue his Bachelors Degree in Economics. He is described as an “intelligent, enthusiastic and focused individual,” and one who is “wise beyond his years.” During his studies, Carlsen served as a member of the Bermuda Regiment, and after successfully completing the recruit camp, was offered the rank of Private. He has also served as a member of the St. Paul A.M.E Church his whole life and admits that “nothing else has grounded me in life besides God and my church.” Carlsen has been employed with Total Marketing Company as a Surveyor. Carlsen believes that “his major in economics will give me the skills needed to assist in the development of Bermuda as a community.”
Dominique Richardson
Dominique has been attending Barry University since the fall of 2010 where she is pursuing a Bachelor Honors Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. Dominique has been actively involved in her community by volunteering at King Edward Memorial Hospital, serving as an assistant coach in the Bermuda Netball Association Junior League, and as a camp assistant at the Kappa Alpha Psi Pee Wee Football Extravaganza. In addition, she has helped feed the homeless while away in university. Dominique is described as someone who “demonstrates admirable leadership qualities and positive attributes such as a caring disposition, fortitude, integrity, and insight.” In her own words she admits that “I will do what I need to do in order to be successful and I feel that I am respected more by my peers because they know I will remain focused.” Her favourite motto is “work hard now and you will reap the reward later in life.” After obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree, Dominique plans to pursue her Master’s Degree in Underwriting and return to Bermuda to find her niche in the international business world.
Tiffany Samuels
Tiffany graduated from Cedarbridge Academy in 2009 with high scholastic honors and as the recipient of several awards including The Temar Richards Math Award, BTEC Award, Ernst & Young Award, Bank of Bermuda Recruit Extraordinary People Program Award, and the Bermuda Public Service Award. While at Bermuda College, where she obtained her Associates Degree in Computer Information Systems with merit, she was involved in the Student Government Council and served as a student representative on the Budget Committee. Tiffany has demonstrated her admirable leadership qualities in the numerous positions she has held as a summer intern including the 1st Cedar Hill Girl Guide Company, BTC, and HSBC. In the fall Tiffany will be entering New England Institute of Technology in pursuit of her career as a Software Engineer. Tiffany’s belief in “assisting others, engaging in her community, and her pursuit of academic excellence will ensure she will be an outstanding ambassador for Bermuda and an asset to any future academic environment.”
Samantha Saunders
Samantha is entering her second year at University of London School of Oriental and African Studies where she is striving to complete her degree in law. She has achieved high academic honors as a distinguished member of the Dean’s Honor List. Samantha is “efficient and well-organized and is actively planning her education to prepare herself for a career in international law.” She is described by her teachers as “a pleasure to have in class.” Samantha became interested in law, while she was pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Global Development Skills at the University of Western Ontario. Samantha stated that “because this multi-disciplinary program exposed me to the various ways that people across the world have experienced violations to their legal entitlements, I decided that my ultimate career objective would be to become a solicitor.” She has also been involved in dance and in musical and visual arts training for many years to hone her artistic skills. Samantha also takes the time to volunteer in her community through involvement at the Women’s Resource Center and at King Edward Memorial Hospital as a Candy Striper. Samantha is looking forward to practicing in Bermuda “because our English common law legal system is mature and offers professional growth opportunities.”
Terrin Smith
Terrin has just completed his studies at the Hotchkiss School with a high academic average. Terrin is a “confident, intelligent, motivated, hard-working, young man with impressive intuition, sense of self and personal integrity.” He has an undying curiosity and passion for learning and is described by one of his teachers as being a “joy and a relief in class because he always entered the room with a smile, positive attitude, and desire to learn.” Terrin has been actively involved with soccer for the past three years and has become an amazing athlete, who made a positive and long lasting contribution to the Hotchkiss team. He has competed on an international level with Bermuda U19 National Team and with Reading of the USL Super Y League. His soccer coach said he “has been integral in Hotchkiss winning the Western New England Preparatory School Championships, three Founders League Championships, and two Class A New England Championships. Terrin is a proven winner in character, temperament, skill, and determination.” In the fall Terrin will be entering Stetson University to pursue a degree in Information Technology.
Katrina Simons
Katrina has recently graduated from Saltus Grammar School with a near perfect GPA. Katrina is described as a “person who has shown to be a conscientious and amiable young woman, understanding the importance of education and hard-work.” Katrina has given back to our community by volunteering as a YouthNet Mentor, and has assisted her school organizing events and painting scenery for school plays. She is an excellent athlete and has represented her school admirably in various sports including volleyball, basketball, netball, softball, and badminton. In the fall she will attend Florida International University to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Her interest in business started at an early age because her family owned a retail store and despite facing several challenges in her life, Katrina has never lost focus in achieving her goals. She intends to pursue a Master’s Degree before returning to the island to pursue her dream of becoming a manager and one day hopes to open her own business.
Shaunte Simons
Shaunte has just graduated from Saltus Grammar School, where she was an exceptional student and very actively involved in both her school and community. Shaunte was involved in the Youth Parliament, National Youth Council, Youth Peace Builders, Youth News, Youth Net Mentoring Program, Prom Committee and the Student Council. She has performed over 350 hours of community service and she is described by her guidance counselor as “a student with unquestioned integrity, who is not deterred from her goals.” In the fall Shaunte will be attending the University of West England, Bristol to pursue a degree in Legal Studies. Shaunte explains “I have chosen to study law so that I can return to Bermuda and be a relevant part of the international business workforce that will continue to sustain Bermuda’s economy for many years to come.” Shaunte is a very well-rounded young lady who will show great success in her future endeavors and who will undoubtedly become an excellent role model for the younger generations to come.
Seth Wilson
Seth has recently completed his studies at the Oundle School for the Sixth Form. During his studies he participated in two 24 hour swim challenges in an effort to raise money for charity and learned Signature British Sign Language to help those who are hearing impaired within the local community. Seth is described as an “affable, responsible, and self-motivated young man, with a truly international perspective, who demonstrates an astute ability to excel in any situation, adapting himself to best realize his full potential.” He is presently a member of the Oundle Horizons, which helps to spread the knowledge of foreign cultures by planning events. Seth was actively involved in the Oundle School Orchestra, Oundle School swim team, and attained the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Seth also had the opportunity to attend the American Association for the Advancement of Science Conference in Washington DC and the CERN in Switzerland. He was one of the top students at Warwick Academy, who was regularly named to the Principal’s List and he was offered a scholarship to continue his studies in their International Baccalaureate Program. In the fall Seth will attend Imperial College in the UK to pursue a degree in chemical engineering.
Post-Graduate
Lisa Trott
Lisa graduated from Warwick Academy is 1986 and went on to earn a Diploma in Arts and Science at Bermuda College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at York University. After her studies she returned to the island to join the local workforce before completing her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Florida State University. Since graduation, Lisa has been working as a Clinical Social Worker with 17 years of experience under her belt. She has had the opportunity to spread her wings in various disciplines including as a Medical Social Worker, a Child Protection Officer, a Counselor for recovering female drug addicts, a counselor for abused women, and most recently a school Guidance Counselor. She feels this experience has allowed her to develop three skills which will help her in her new career in law; “advocacy, positive interactions with people from all walks of life, and being persistent.” In the fall she will be attending BPP College of Professional Studies in London to achieve a law degree. Attending Law school has always been a dream of hers for a number of years; however this dream was put on hold while she single handedly raised and educated her two children. Lisa has chosen to study law because she “feels it is the most versatile career field in international business.” She has served as an executive member on the Bermuda Union of Teachers and has had two major life experiences that have taught her “that no matter how impossible a task may seem, if you believe in the cause, you have to press on, “ and that “having the courage to stand for what is right and not accepting the status quo is the key to leaving our mark in this world.” Three years from now Lisa “hopes to be called to the Bermuda Bar and be practicing as an attorney in one of the many locally domiciled international businesses.”
